The Federal Government of Nigeria has invested around N1.4 billion over the past 18 months to rehabilitate repentant terrorists and set up specialized terrorism trial centres.
This initiative followed the signing of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill by former President Muhammadu Buhari on May 12, 2022, leading to the establishment of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC).
Key Developments:
- December 2022: The government unveiled plans to construct two facilities dedicated to disarmament, deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration for former members of Boko Haram and other terrorist groups.
- N2.4 billion Allocation: Rear Admiral Yem Musa (retd.), coordinator of the NCTC, informed the House of Representatives that these centres would receive N2.4 billion from the NCTC’s N3.8 billion capital projects for 2023.
Financial Breakdown:
- March 2023: N612 million was spent to refurbish abandoned structures for terrorism trials and create dormitories under Operation Safe Corridor.
- 2024: An additional N179 million was allocated for similar projects, including equipment to support terrorism prosecutions.
- GovSpend Data: From December 2022 to May 2024, the Ministry of Justice spent a total of N1.4 billion on these rehabilitation centres and related trial facilities.
Recent Outcomes:
The NCTC reported 325 convictions during terrorism trials held at the Kainji Detention Facility (Phase 5 and Phase 6). Sentences ranged from life imprisonment to the death penalty, depending on the severity of the crimes.
Controversies:
Despite these developments, there has been criticism over the secrecy surrounding these trials. Security experts and civil society organizations have called for greater transparency, emphasizing the need to build public trust while balancing national security concerns. The government has yet to provide a detailed justification for conducting these trials behind closed doors.
READ ALSO:
Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp:
Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear:
Kindly Share:
Discover more from LMSINT MEDIA
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.